Chapter 7
Chapter Outline
An exhortation to holiness, and the whole (1–4)
church entreated to bear affection to the
apostle.
He rejoiced in their sorrowing to repentance. (5–11)
And in the comfort they and Titus had (12–16)
together.Verses 1–4
The promises of God are strong reasons for us to follow after holiness; we must cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. If we hope in God as our Father, we must seek to be holy as
he is holy, and perfect as our Father in heaven. His grace, by the influences of his Spirit, alone can
purify, but holiness should be the object of our constant prayers. If the ministers of the gospel are
thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers
must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour,
when they can safely appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or
flattering speeches; that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote their own interests so
as to hurt any. It was affection to them made the apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him
to glory of them, in all places, and upon all occasions.
Verses 5–11
There were fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and
Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for such as had embraced the Christian
faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We should look above and beyond all means
and instruments, to God, as the author of all the consolation and good we enjoy. Sorrow according
to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart
humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And
this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is
a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits
of true repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed.
It wrought indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter and his instruments. It wrought a fear
of watchfulness, and a cautious fear of sin. It wrought desire to be reconciled with God. It wrought
zeal for duty, and against sin. It wrought revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours to
make satisfaction for injuries done thereby. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith
in Christ, a new heart and a new life, make repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on
every one of us.